Direct selective synthesis of para-xylene by reacting an aromatic compound with a methylating agent formed from co, co2 and h2

Abstract

It has been discovered that para-xylene (PX) can be synthesized with improved selectivity by reacting an aromatic compound such as toluene and/or benzene with a reactant(s) such as a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide and/or methanol or methylating agents produced therefrom. Catalytic reaction systems are employed, such as crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates having one-dimensional channel structure, para-alkyl selectivated crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates, para-alkyl selectivated substituted aluminosilicates, crystalline or amorphous substituted silicates having one-dimensional channel structure, para-alkyl selectivated substituted silicates, crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates, para-alkyl selectivated crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates, para-alkyl selectivated zeolite-bound zeolite and para-alkyl selectivated substituted aluminophosphates, and mixtures thereof. The catalytic reaction systems may be selectivated with organometallic compounds, compounds of elements selected from Groups 1 through 16, coke, and mixtures thereof. Using this process, catalyst stability and life is improved.